Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Keeping Your Furry Friends Cool & Safe

As temperatures rise and summer activities kick into high gear, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure our beloved pets stay safe and comfortable. As pets are family members, their summer safety is a top priority. 

1. Preventing Heatstroke and Overheating

Pets aren’t as efficient as humans in regulating body temperature, which makes them particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. So, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, bright red gums, or collapse. 

If you’re bringing your pets with you on errands, never leave them in a parked car. Even with windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. It is not only dangerous but illegal in many states. 

If your pet has heatstroke or is overheating, it’s essential to cool them down. Move your pet to a shaded area and provide cool (not cold) water. You can also wet their paws, ears, and belly with a damp cloth and use a fan to increase air circulation. 

For severe cases, wrap them in a damp towel and contact a vet clinic immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a narrow treatment window.

2. Keeping Pets Hydrated

Dehydration is another serious health complication common among pets during the summer months. 

Keep your furry friend hydrated by always ensuring that fresh, clean water is available indoors and outdoors. Consider using multiple water stations throughout your home and yard. For outdoor water sources, place them in shaded areas. You can also add ice cubes to water bowls to keep them cool longer. 

To encourage hydration, incorporate wet food or pet-friendly frozen treats into their diet. Try freezing low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays or making DIY frozen yogurt treats (using plain, unsweetened yogurt) for a cooling snack. You can also freeze their regular wet food in small portions for refreshing meal variations. 

3. Protecting Paws from Hot Surfaces

On an 85°F day, asphalt can reach 135°F – hot enough to fry an egg and burn paw pads. Concrete and sand, too, can reach high temperatures and cause burns. 

Use the “5-second rule.” Place the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds, and if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

However, whenever possible, walk dogs (or other pets) on grass or shaded paths instead of hot pavement. Plan your walking routes ahead of time to maximize grassy areas and shaded sidewalks. Consider carrying your smaller pets across hot surfaces when grass isn’t available.

Invest in dog booties or paw wax for additional protection, especially for active dogs who need regular exercise regardless of the temperature. Quality booties should have flexible, non-slip soles and secure fastenings. Alternatively, paw wax creates a protective barrier without changing your pet’s natural gait.

4. Safe Exercise During Summer

Schedule walks early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and surfaces haven’t absorbed as much heat. Also avoid intense play or exercise during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Instead, engage in calm indoor activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, or gentle play. If your pet is particularly active, consider indoor facilities like pet-friendly gyms or swimming pools where they can exercise in climate-controlled environments.

Always watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive panting, slowing down, seeking shade, or reluctance to continue. If you notice these signs, stop immediately and help your pet cool down. Carry water and a collapsible bowl on all walks, and offer small drinks frequently rather than large amounts all at once.

5. Sun Protection for Pets

Just like humans, pets can get sunburned too, and prolonged sun exposure can lead to painful burns and increase the risk of skin cancer. Light-colored and short-haired pets are particularly susceptible, especially on their nose, ear tips, and belly areas where fur is thinner. 

When going out, always provide plenty of shade options. Bring an umbrella or a portable pet tent, or stay in shaded areas like under the trees. 

For an extra layer of protection, apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas about 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look specifically for products formulated for pets. Pet-safe sunscreens should be fragrance-free, non-staining, and specifically labeled as safe if licked. Reapply every 4–6 hours and after swimming or excessive licking.

6. Keeping Parasites at Bay

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes flourish in warm weather. More than being a nuisance, these pests can also make your pet sick. Fleas can cause intense itching and allergic reactions. Ticks can transmit several diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Meanwhile, mosquitoes are responsible for heartworm transmission – a potentially fatal condition.

Use vet-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives to keep pests away. Different products work in different ways. Some kill parasites on contact, while others prevent reproduction or development. Consult your vet to determine the best preventative protocol for your pet’s needs, lifestyle, and risk factors.

After walks or outdoor play, check your pets thoroughly for ticks. If you find one, remove it promptly using fine-point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out with steady pressure. Meanwhile, use a fine-toothed comb to look for “flea dirt” (small black specks that turn reddish when wet).

Consider environmental controls as well. Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create barriers between wooded areas and your yard. Use pet-safe yard treatments, if necessary, and wash pet bedding frequently in hot water. Indoor pets can still be affected by parasites brought in on shoes or clothing, so preventative measures remain important even if your pet rarely ventures outside.

7. Water Safety for Pets

Despite popular belief, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Breeds with heavy chest-to-hindquarter ratios (like bulldogs) or short legs (like dachshunds) often struggle in water. In this case, introduce them gradually to water in shallow, controlled environments and never force them if they show fear. Start with just a few inches of water and gradually increase depth as your pet becomes comfortable.

For boating or swimming in deeper water, always use a properly fitted pet life jacket, even for dogs who seem comfortable swimming. The ideal life jacket should have a handle on top for easy retrieval, bright colors for visibility, and proper buoyancy distribution. Practice swimming with the life jacket in shallow water before venturing into deeper areas.

After swimming, thoroughly rinse off chlorine, salt water, or lake bacteria from your pet’s coat to prevent skin irritation. Pay special attention to ears and paws, and thoroughly dry your pet afterward. For dogs with floppy ears, consider using a veterinary-approved ear-drying solution after swimming.

8. Fireworks and Thunderstorm Safety

Loud noises from fireworks or thunderstorms can cause significant anxiety in pets. Signs of noise anxiety include trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, inappropriate elimination, excessive vocalization, or destructive behavior. Some pets may attempt to escape, potentially injuring themselves or becoming lost.

Whenever possible, keep pets indoors during fireworks displays and create a comfortable safe space with familiar toys and bedding. Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and flashes of light. Background noise from television or calming music can help mask startling sounds. 

You can also use calming techniques, such as playing white noise or calming music or using anxiety wraps that provide gentle, constant pressure. Or, consider discussing with your vet about calming supplements. 

9. Preventing Summer Poisons

Summer activities introduce unique toxicity risks for curious pets that can result in emergency veterinary visits. Common summer dangers include BBQ scraps (especially bones, onions, garlic, and fatty meats), toxic plants (like lilies and azaleas), pool chemicals, insect repellents, and rodenticides. 

So, keep your pet away from picnic tables and grills where they might snatch dangerous foods. Designate a pet-free zone around the grill during cookouts, and train your pet to “leave it” or “stay” when food is present. Consider crating your pet during large gatherings where guests might unknowingly feed them harmful foods. Also, store all chemicals securely out of reach of your pets. 

If you suspect that they have ingested something toxic, contact your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. Keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (888-426-4435) in your phone for 24/7 guidance. Be prepared to provide information about what your pet consumed, how much, and when it happened.

10. Travel Safety for Pets

When traveling by car, secure your pet in a well-ventilated crate or use a pet seatbelt harness to prevent injury during sudden stops or accidents. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and should be secured so it doesn’t slide during travel. If using a harness, choose one that has been crash-tested for safety.

Though many dogs enjoy it, never allow pets to ride with their heads out the window, as flying debris can cause eye or ear injuries. It also increases the risk of falls or jumping out. The force of air can also cause ear damage and respiratory problems.

Always pack pet essentials, including ample water, a collapsible bowl, a leash, ID tags with current contact information, and copies of important veterinary records (including vaccination history and any current medications). Create a pet first-aid kit for travel emergencies, and research veterinary clinics at your destination before departing.

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy a wonderful summer with your pets!